The highly anticipated Osceola County Fair returns to Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee this weekend, running from February 10 through 19, 2023, this year's fair promises to be bigger, better, and with more entertainment than ever before. This year, the biggest event in the Osceola County calendar returns to celebrate its 79th year, the Osceola County Fair features endless amusement rides, thrilling games, exciting exhibits, livestock shows, amazing fair food, toe tapping live music, and much more! In 2023, the fair features amazing family friendly entertainment including the Space Adventures Thrill Show, a Demolition Derby, and Live Concerts by country music artists including Chase Matthew, and Tobacco Rd Band. Plus, the fan favourite pig races are back with the Rosaire's Royal Racers, together with a staple at the Osceola County Fair, the Eudora Farms, Petting Zoo returns. Daily Admission: Senior 60 Plus - $5 12 years old and Up - $8.00 5 years old to 11 years old- $5.00 See ya'll at the 79th Osceola County Fair in Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee!

Right now is your chance to be part of Universal Orlando Resort's epic universe! Today, Tuesday February 7, Universal announced that they are looking to hire more than 2,500 new team members across the resort ahead of what is expected to be another record breaking year for visitors numbers. The theme park have a huge variety of full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions available, including parking & transportation, entrance operations, food and beverage, lifeguards, custodians, security, paramedics, call center and more. Universal Orlando said it offers a competitive base hourly pay for all team members, plus all team members enjoy complimentary admission to the parks, plus they even get the opportunity to share the fun with their family and friends too with complimentary passes. Professional career opportunities are also available to support technical services, IT, finance, marketing and sales, digital technology, human resources and more. These professional opportunities offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Interested candidates should apply online. Eligible candidates will be contacted for in-person, virtual or phone interviews. Applications are also open for Summer 2023 Internships From Engineering to Park Operations to Administration, Universal orlando have a variety of opportunities in their universe for you to have the best summer internship ever! Apply now!

You gotta touch touch down in Sanford, as the ultimate watching experience this year for the big game is at Elev8 Fun! The entertainment center will have great deals on food and drinks with its Apps & Taps offer, plus plenty of chances to catch all the action on more than 60 TVs and three gigantic screens. Apps & Taps means guests can enjoy delicious half-priced appetizers from Pl8 Bar & Grill all day on February 12, 2023, along with $5 draft beers, $4 Bud Light bottles and bucket specials. It’s everything guests need for one of the biggest days of the year! Plus, Elev8 Fun understands that football doesn’t always stick to the hours of operation—so guests can rest easy knowing they have a home base for the entirety of the game. If it’s overtime, it’s open time for Elev8. In addition to game day, Elev8 Fun is a 125,000 square family entertainment center where you'll discover games and experiences for the entire family. Attractions include hundreds of state-of-the-art and retro arcade games, bowling, multi-level go-kart tracks, interactive mini-golf, ropes courses, laser tag, the Omni Arena, axe throwing and food and beverages. Elev8 Fun locations are opening in shopping malls across the state, with its first two locations in Sanford and Tampa. Learn more at www.elev8fun.com.

After an absence of three years, Orlando's Nude Nite is back this weekend, and guests can expect nude art, music, and entertainment. Nude Nite takes place February 9, 10, and 11, between 6 pm and 12 am, at Canvas Event Venue: 1401 Florida Mall Ave, Orlando. If you've never been before you can expect an electric atmosphere, with burlesque stage shows, performance artists, and body painters. This year's Nude Nite will display over 130 works, from over 100 artists. Enjoy immersive installations in which you can participate. Artistic nudity is present, live, and exhibited as subjects in displayed art. (It's Nude Nite, after all!) Misty Rose & Allison Sipes will be the live stage performers for Nude Nite Orlando 2023! The model ratio is gender-equal. Models represent all shapes, sizes, and colors. The show emphasizes beauty, empowerment, and fun! Nude Nite is not a lifestyle or an erotic event, but rather a hybrid art experience for 21+. Nude Nite takes great care to provide a safe space for guests and staff. Nude Nite was created 15 years ago by Kelly Stevens, who found that galleries wouldn’t and still won't show nude art. Sadly Kelly passed in 2021, hence why the event has not taken place since, but this year her daughter, Sloan Waranch, is organising this year's event as a tribute to her mother. Nude art can be risqué, intimate, and controversial. Nude Nite is a national art exhibition showing over 200 of the best works from artists across the U.S. Adding world-class body-themed entertainment, DJ music, and immersive experiences is what makes Nude Nite sexy, fun, and leaves guests loving the skin they’re in. Tickets are available online now, costing $40 each. Nude Nite is a 21+ event, and organizers point out that artistic nudity is displayed throughout the event.

NYC-based fast-casual restaurant chain, Just Salad has officially entered the Orlando market with two new restaurants officially openings this month. Just Salad will be celebrating the grand opening of its first-ever location in the Orlando area tomorrow, Wednesday, February 8, at the restaurant located in Winter Park at 415 South Orlando Ave, Suite 214. Next week on Wednesday, February 15, the chain will celebrate the grand opening of its second Orlando location in Winter Garden at 3119 Daniels Rd, Unit 104. The Winter Park soft opening took place on January 11, and the Winter Garden soft opening on January 21. At both locations, customers can choose from over 15 chef-designed salads, wraps, warm bowls, avocado toast, soups and smoothies when visiting the new stores. Specific menu highlights include Just Salad’s seasonal winter salads, its “Iconic Salads” - the Crispy Chicken Poblano, Thai Chicken Crunch, and Tokyo Supergreens - and its “Earth Friendly” menu board, featuring salads with low carbon footprints. With Just Salad’s signature Reusable Bowl Program, Orlando residents are invited to join the company’s effort to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing a bowl for $1 and will receive a free salad topping with every reuse. To further incentivize healthy, climate-conscious food choices, Just Salad will be offering the following in-store promotions as part of its Winter Park and Winter Garden grand opening celebrations: Winter Park Grand Opening Promos: $5 Meal Days: Every customer who orders in-store on Wednesday, February 8 - Saturday, February 11 will receive a discounted $5 meal. Community Workers Day: Just Salad will offer $5 meals for Community Workers who purchase meals in-store on Wednesday, February 15. VIP Bowl Day: Just Salad will offer $5 meals for Reusable Bowl customers who purchase meals in-store on Friday, March 3. Winter Garden Grand Opening Promos: $5 Meal Days: Every customer who orders in-store on Wednesday, February 15 - Saturday, February 18 will receive a discounted $5 meal. Community Workers Day: Just Salad will offer $5 meals for Community Workers who purchase meals in-store on Wednesday, February 22. VIP Bowl Day: Just Salad will offer $5 meals for Reusable Bowl customers who purchase meals in-store on Friday, March 3. Just Salad serves craveable, accessible, plant-centric meals made with homemade dressings, prepped-daily produce, from-scratch recipes and fresh, flavorful ingredients. Guests can choose from over 15 chef-designed salads, wraps, warm bowls, avocado toast, soups and smoothies. Empowering customers to “Eat with Purpose,” Just Salad is home to the world’s largest restaurant reusable program and the first U.S. restaurant chain to carbon label its menu and offer a Climatarian menu category. The company was founded in 2006 and has over 70 locations across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Dubai.

A new and exciting vegan restaurant called Earthy Picks is getting ready to open soon in Downtown Orlando at 420 E. Church Street. The new health food restaurant with “a Latin twist” is the creation of entrepreneur Tatiana Henao who was born and raised in Pereira, Colombia, and then moved to the US when she was 17. She grew up in a Colombian family that loves to cook and enjoys gathering people around food. In her quest to enhance her lifestyle choices, she discovered the benefits of plant-based foods and submerged herself into Holistic Health and Nutrition studies, and graduated from IIN (Institute of Integrative Nutrition) in 2017. Inspired by her mother’s idea to share her favorite vegan recipes at the Orlando Vegan Market, she decided to listen to her entrepreneurial spirit and opened Earthy Picks pop-up in July of 2020 during the pandemic. Today, you can find her beautiful booth at the legendary Orlando Farmers Market and the first ever Vegan Market in Orlando, and soon at Tatiana's new downtown restaurant. The new restaurant will serve a menu of plant-based dishes, including tacos, grain bowls, empanadas, and more. Here is a few of the delicious dishes you can expect once Earthy Picks opens. Crazy About You Bowl Organic mixed greens, organic black beans, jasmine rice, beyond meat grilled with onions and spices, sweet plantains (maduro), fresh pico de gallo, avocado, cilantro-garlic cream, spicy mayo, sprouts. (GF) (SF) Locos Tacos Three crunchy corn tacos with black bean purée, portobello mushrooms sautéed with onions and special flavors, fresh pico de gallo, avocado, spicy mayo, micro greens, and lime on the side. (GF) (SF) Colombian Hot Dog Colombian-style hot dog, onions, potato chips on top, pink sauce (mayo-ketchup), pineapple sauce & mustard. Served with potato chips on the side. (Vegan)

Established in 1903, the City of Winter Garden celebrates its 120th Anniversary with a Heritage & Music Festival on Saturday, February 11, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The FREE, daylong event includes multiple stages of live music, kids’ entertainment, heritage activities, and much more. The downtown area, with its picturesque streets and historic buildings, is a reminder of the town’s rich history and serves as the perfect venue to celebrate this milestone. The Winter Garden Heritage & Music Festival is a fun, family-friendly event that offers something for everyone. There will be 30+ live music and entertainment acts across six stages, guided history walking tours, a kids’ zone area, historical exhibits and presentations, strolling performers, and more! Highlights include: Live Music & Entertainment, 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Simultaneous and continuous performances will be held at various outdoor stages throughout historic downtown stretching from Central Avenue to Dillard Street. There will be 30 live music acts of a variety of genres across six stages plus strolling performers! A few of the many high caliber performances include Selwyn Birchwood, L & G Live Duo, Flight Scene, Big Ron Betts, and Michael Andrew & Swingerhead. Stage Locations: Butterfly Sculpture Garden, 240 W. Plant Street Centennial Plaza Gazebo, 101 W. Plant Street City Hall Stage, 300 W. Plant Street Lakeview Stage, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue Loop Stage, 427 W. Plant Street Main Street Stage, 1 N. Main Street Kids' Zone & Back to the Future Entertainment As part of the Festival, the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden (125 E. Plant Street) is celebrating its 135th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of its Old Sanctuary building with a “Back to the Future” nostalgic stage show with Doc, Marty McFly, and a DeLorean. In addition, there will be live music and special guest Blippi, a popular children’s entertainer and educator. History Walking Tours Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a great way to learn about the history of downtown’s buildings, monuments, and even its trees is by taking a walking tour. Special Historical Exhibitions & Presentations Downtown's museums and art gallery have exhibitions, artifacts, and memorabilia depicting Winter Garden and West Orange County’s history. Admission is always FREE. Winter Garden Farmers Market In celebration of the Winter Garden Heritage & Music Festival, the Winter Garden Farmers Market will be handing out complimentary 120th Anniversary commemorate reusable tote bags to the first 120 market goers that stop by the Information Tent at the Pavilion entrance. In addition, the Market is hosting a Valentine's Day Celebration on the same day as the Festival with complimentary Valentine craft making at the KidZone tent at the Parking Garage Plaza (9:00 am - 12:00 pm), as well as live music and family friendly games on the lawn adjacent to the Pavilion.

The ever popular Seven Seas Food Festival kicked off last weekend at SeaWorld Orlando, and as part of this year's festival, SeaWorld is getting ready to lt the good times roll with its very own Mardi Gras celebrations. From February 16 through until February 26, you can expect limited-time food, cocktails, entertainment and live music. Highlights include: POP-UP PARADE The Wild Arctic Plaza will come to life as entertainers, bead captains, stilt walkers, and musicians bring the Mardi Gras spirit to SeaWorld during this special pop-up parade. Select times from 12:30 - 6 p.m. LIVE MUSIC Immerse yourself in the music of New Orleans as our live band brings Cajun and jazz classics to Orlando. Select times from 12:30 - 6 p.m. STREET PARTY The sights and sounds of Bourbon Street will take over Wild Arctic Plaza with a DJ, street performers, and a dance party. Select times from 12:30 - 6 p.m. GULF COAST FLAVORS Enjoy classic Gulf Coast flavors as part of the Seven Seas Food Festival including beignets, po’ boys, and southern libations. 1:00 p.m. to park close.

Love's Revenge is returning to Sir Henrys Haunted Trail in Plant City for two nights only, Valentine's Weekend, February 10 and 11, 2023. This exclusive 2 night, haunted Valentine's attraction will feature 2 haunted trails, 2 escape games, laser tag and ax throwing. The first of this year's haunted trails at Sir Henry's is Cupid's Revenge, and it sounds like Cupid is defiantly out for revenge! Here's Cupid's backstory: Centuries of bringing couples together has taken its toll on Cupid. What's more? With the astronomical rate of divorce, murders, and heart ache it seems like his work is pointless. Fed up he decides to have some twisted fun. Destroying every couple who comes across his path, Cupid leaves a trail of pain and blood in his wake. Will you be fortunate enough to escape his piercing arrows or will you fall victim to his revenge? The second trail is Truth or Dare! Every Valentine's night local teenagers dare each other to sneak into an old creepy house and leave a graffiti heart with initials as proof they were there. However, many who enter the house are never seen again. Legend has it that an old couple, who died in their sleep decades earlier in that same house, kills the teens who sneak in on Valentine's. But if the couple is dead what is really going on in this old mansion? Will you find out the truth or will this dare become the death of you? Tickets must be booked in advance, general admission is $25, with front of line admission $35. For more information and to book tickets, go to www.sirhenryshauntedtrail.com.

Today, Monday, February 6, Florida lawmakers have been taking part in special session to discuss, among other topics, the governments proposed takeover of Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District. Now after months of uncertainty, they have given up on trying to dissolve Disney's special taxing district, and have revealed a new plan to take control. This involves renaming Reedy Creek Improvement District, and putting a state board in charge, with all members hand picked by Gov DeSantis, thus putting the area around Walt Disney World under state control. The 189 page bill, House Bill 9B confirms that the Reedy Creek Improvement District will not be dissolved on June 1 as previously announced. Instead, it will be re-named the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, a government-controlled district that would elect a board of supervisors, who would then be expected to propose a list of changes to the district’s power within one year. The bill states that all 5 board members would be personally approved by DeSantis, with confirmation from the senate. Plus, anyone who has been a theme park employee, officer or director in the past three years would be prohibited from serving on the board, along with their relatives, meaning DeSantis will have a large say in the future of Walt Disney World, via the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. The bill reads, “The board of supervisors shall submit to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, within 1 year after the effective date of this act, and every 5 years thereafter, a report that includes a review of all remaining powers and authorities included herein and any recommendations for consideration of eliminating said powers and authorities for potential repeal by the Legislature.” The bill states that the district will not be dissolved, and will be permitted to operate under the Reedy Creek name for up to two years in order to ensure all necessary changes are carried out. In effect, Disney will lose control of the district upon the creation of the board of supervisors, whom are selected exclusively by DeSantis. The bill is expected to be considered during a special session of the state legislature this month. The bill also calls for the district to continue honoring outstanding debt and will retain powers of taxation. Prior to today's special session, Walt Disney World and new CEO Bob Iger have remained largely silent on the issue, issuing no official statements on the uncertainty of Reedy Creek Improvement District, and as yet they have still not commented on the new bill. The Reedy Creek Improvement District is a special purpose district created by state law in May 1967 that gives The Walt Disney Company governmental control over the land in and around its central Florida theme parks. At the time, the land Walt Disney wanted to build his Kingdom on was little more than uninhabited pasture and swamp, but Orange and Osceola Counties did not have the services or resources needed to bring the project to life, so the state legislature worked with Disney to establish the Reedy Creek Improvement District. This allowed Disney to get the money and resources needed to build Walt Disney World without constantly going through local governments, and turning the pastures and swamps into what we now know as Walt Disney World Resort. Through the act, landowners within the district, including Walt Disney World, are solely responsible for paying the cost of providing municipal services. That is, local taxpayers do not have to pay for these services. The district essentially acts as its own county government and encompasses the cities of Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista. Disney currently has responsibility for providing municipal services like power, water, roads and fire protection – but are freed from dealing with legal red tape or paying taxes for services that benefited the broader public.

Earlier today Walt Disney World announced the return of full housekeeping to all Walt Disney World Resort Hotels this month, and at the same time revealed a first look at new-style rooms debuting soon at Disney's BoardWalk Resort. The newly refurbished rooms at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn will start debuting to guests over the coming weeks. The highlight of the new rooms are themed artwork featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and other favorite Disney characters strolling through iconic locations at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort! The images of the new rooms were included in a Disney release that revealed full housekeeping is returning to all hotels within Walt Disney World.

Finally! Walt Disney World has announced the return of full housekeeping to all Walt Disney World Resort Hotels this month. Disney revealed that they are responding to feedback from guests about how much they have missed the more regular housekeeping services that was offered prior to the pandemic. Recently, the resort have been slowly reintroducing daily housekeeping at certain resorts, but now by the end of February, full housekeeping room cleanings will once again be available at all of the resorts hotel rooms, with services provided daily or every other day depending on where you are staying. These full cleanings include everything you’d expect – from replacing towels and amenities to cleaning the bathrooms, making the beds, emptying trash and recycling, tidying the room and vacuuming. “I love making those special little touches — that’s what it’s about,” said Duckky, a housekeeping cast member at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. “If I can make somebody smile every day just by walking past and saying ‘have a magical day,’ that warms my heart. Everything I do here warms my heart.”